We know that RSAC 2026 will be an AI-heavy show. While we are going to hear the “AI will change everything” narrative, our premise is that security leaders are being asked to operationalize AI in an environment where complexity is rising faster than control. Organizations are still struggling to consolidate the sprawl of tools in their security stacks, and at the same time apply zero trust principles. To avoid AI becoming yet another layer, organizations must tie AI to clear outcomes and integrate intelligence into operating processes.